Master of Science in Music Education

The College of Saint Rose Master of Science program in Music Education provides a specialized, in-depth study of the learning and the teaching of music. Students learn to develop their own unique philosophies of music and music education while refining research and performance skills. The program enables them to study both the curricular and pedagogical aspects of music education and prepares them for their chosen career. The Master of Science degree is necessary for professional certification to teach music in New York state.

The Saint Rose Difference


The College of Saint Rose Music Programs are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Our graduate program in music education is specifically designed to help professional music teachers continue their education. Courses are scheduled conveniently and build upon previous undergraduate course work and teaching experience. As musicians and performers, students have the opportunity to share their love of music with children of all ages using diverse music education methods and techniques.

Our faculty consists of experienced teachers and performers who use their personal experiences to help students integrate the theory and practice of music education. Most courses are conducted in the College's Massry Center for the Arts. By learning to use state-of-the-art music technology, students are prepared to use that technology for instructional purposes. In addition, they will continue to refine their performance skills and have the opportunity to perform in one of the music department's performing ensembles.

This program also offers a certification-only option that provides a teaching certificate to students with undergraduate degrees in Music rather than Music Education. In this program, students are required to complete a field experience component involving student teaching and observation as required by New York State. This hands-on participation allows students without education degrees to gain experience in classrooms around the Capital District.

Advanced Project 
Students in the Music Education program are required to complete a six-credit final project consisting of a thesis or comprehensive seminar in Music/Music Education. As the third and final component of the Music Education program, each final project option involves extensive research to prepare students for careers in the classroom.

Career Opportunities


With a degree or certification in Music Education, graduates are certified to teach choral, instrumental, and general music in public and private schools, grades K-12. Many students within the program are already employed in local school districts while completing the program.

The following school districts throughout the Capital Region are either employers of graduates from the Music Education program, and/or providers of field experiences:

Albany, Ballston Spa, Bethlehem, Coxsackie-Athens, Canajoharie, Guilderland, New York City, North Colonie, Saratoga Springs, Shalmont, Shenendehowa, South Colonie, and Troy

Admission Requirements

A completed Saint Rose Graduate 
School Application;
A baccalaureate degree from an 
accredited institution;
Official transcripts from all colleges/
universities attended;
An undergraduate minimum grade point average of 3.0;
Two academic and/or professional recommendations;

If your undergraduate degree is in an area of music other than music education, you must complete all undergraduate music education requirements before being admitted to the program;

International applicants must submit English translations and evaluations of transcripts prepared by thecollege/university of origin or by a professional independent transcript evaluator, and a TOEFL scoreshowing a minimum of 550 on the written or 213 on the computer-based exam.

Certification-Only Admission Requirements

Click here to download list of courses necessary for NYS music teacher certification.

Applicants with an undergraduate music 
degree that lacks a music education component must submit transcripts for evaluation to determine their individual requirements in music and education for the initial teaching certificate. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in an area other than music will be admitted only after passing an entrance audition and placement test or through the Experienced Adult Portfolio Adjudication System.

Once students have completed initial certification requirements, they will automatically be accepted into the Master of Science in Music Education degree program.

The College of Saint Rose Music Department

432 Western Avenue
Albany, New York 12203

Phone: (518) 454-5178
FAX: (518) 454-2146